World War II Honoree

Edwin R. Bates

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Evanston, Illinois

Honored By

Ellen L. Schrodt

Relationship

Friend

DRAFTED FEBRUARY 1942. ASSIGNED TO THE ARMY AIR CORPS. BASIC TRAINING IN SHEPPARD FIELD, TEXAS. SENT TO CHANUTE FIELD, ILLINOIS FOR WEATHER OBSERVER SCHOOL. OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL IN MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA. WAS SENT AS AN UNASSIGNED OFFICER TO NORTH AFRICA IN JANUARY 1943. ASSIGNED AS INTELLIGENCE OFFICER FOR THE 311TH FIGHTER CONTROL SQUADRON, 62ND FIGHTER WING. ASSIGNED TO THE 12TH AIR FORCE, PART OF THE AMERICAN 5TH ARMY IN ITALY. RECEIVED EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN RIBBON WITH 4 BATTLE STARS. WAS MADE A KNIGHT OF THE ORDER OF THE CROWN OF THE KING OF ITALY. DISCHARGED IN AUGUST 1945 IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, WITH RANK OF 1ST LIEUTENANT.